Posts Tagged ‘construction project’

Building Construction Software – Making it Easy For Estimators to Produce Cost Projections

July 13th, 2011

constructionA building construction software program has become one of the most important tools in the construction profession. These programs have made it easier for estimators to produce cost projections; for architects to develop a building design; for contractors to plan for building codes and other legal concerns; and for the homeowner or building owner to get an idea of what the project would entail in terms of costs, time and compliance.

Types of software

A construction project is made up of various steps, so it is to be expected that software packages for this profession will be numerous and varied. One of the more widely-used types is the computer-aided design or CAD software that is used mostly by architects and engineers. These types of programs are used for creating building plans and drawings and allow the designer or architect to have a three-dimensional perception of the project at hand.

Software programs for estimating construction costs are another of the more commonly used packages in the building trade. Programs for estimating building costs allow the user to produce expense approximates, employee and equipment scheduling plans, contractor bids, project reports and other elements of the project that have something to do with costs. These software packages can be purchased, but there are also those that are available for free in the Internet. However, free programs are mainly basic in terms of functions and can only provide rough estimates. » Read more: Building Construction Software – Making it Easy For Estimators to Produce Cost Projections

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How to Select the Right Construction Equipment

July 11th, 2011

constructionThe first principle of construction equipment selection that must be understood is the fact that each item of equipment is a tool designed for certain specific purposes. In construction work, a contractor cannot ordinarily afford to have the piece of construction equipment best adapted to each operation that may ever be required during a construction project so its necessary to select the best equipment available for the job.

In general, the best strategy is to consider the most commons tasks and select construction equipment that will accomplish those tasks. When the need arises, the construction engineer will use his ingenuity in an effort to adapt the equipment available in such a manner to complete the task without putting either the equipment or the construction site personnel in a perilous situation.

After all, it’s always possible to avoid the high cost of purchasing a specific piece of construction equipment by renting it for the short term. The expenses for that specific construction project will be increased but at least the job will be done correctly using construction equipment designed for that specific purpose and moreover it will be done safely. Renting construction equipment also saves the enormous cost of having to purchase the equipment for just one job. » Read more: How to Select the Right Construction Equipment

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Estimating Building Construction Costs – Elements and Tools

July 10th, 2011

constructionThe practice of estimating building construction costs is as important a step as the construction itself. In building a home, a facility or any other structure, it is important to approximate the amount that will be used on the project or come up with an estimate as close as possible to the actual costs. Most construction project failures, be it domestic or commercial, are caused by lack of balance in the anticipated cost of the project and the actual expenses.

Elements of a building construction cost estimate

A building cost estimate should take into consideration a lot of factors. First is the time-frame of the project and the type and size of the building or structure that will be built. Another is labor cost or the wages that will be paid to the workers who will be doing the job. Third is the price of the materials like cement, metal, wood and whatever building supplies that will be used in the structure.

Another important concern is the equipment cost or the cost of the machinery that will be used in building the house or the facility. Subcontractor costs are also significant. And so are indirect costs, which are extras that will be spent outside the primary cost concerns. Aside from these, other expenses such as taxes, compliance costs and certification should be included in the estimate. » Read more: Estimating Building Construction Costs – Elements and Tools

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